Australia names OPV class as Arafura
VADM Mike Noonan, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), announced on 15 November that the name of the navy’s new fleet of OPVs will be the Arafura class, the name emanating from the body of water that marks the northern approaches to Australia and south of New Guinea.
Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne commented: ‘Named for the Arafura Sea, the name recognises the prominence of the navy’s enduring operations in the northern approaches to Australia to protect our national interests, natural resources and maritime borders.’
The name Arafura has not been assigned to any vessel in the RAN until
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
![US Coast Guard advances plans to acquire small response boats]()
US Coast Guard advances plans to acquire small response boats
The maritime security service is looking to purchase up to four demonstrators as it seeks to ensure the force’s goals are achievable before continuing its acquisition programme.
